Wokingham

Residents are being ‘canvassed’ on their ideas for new a mural in Norreys Estate, Wokingham, as the district council and Churches of Wokingham’s Big Idea initiative join up to give the area a splash of colour.

The Wokingham Big Idea is a concentrated series of special events on the themes of social action, community and searching issues, with eleven churches in Wokingham taking part. And Big Idea volunteers have teamed up with Wokingham District Council to bring the action to the Norreys estate.

Between August 21 and August 25 a team of Wokingham volunteers will be out and about in the estate, having a general clear up. They will also be running a series of events such as a community event at Palmer School, and a special youth event at Howard Palmer Gardens.

And, to give the area something special, children and young people are being asked for their ideas to contribute to a mural to be painted at Eustace Crescent. Winning entries will be included in the final mural design and will receive a gift certificate of £15.

The competition is open until Friday August 11 and has two age categories: seven to 11 years old and 12 to 15 years old. All entries should be submitted to Hannah Linder, Wokingham District Council, Tenant Services, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Denmark Street, Wokingham RG20 2YF.

The competition follows hot on the heels of a two-day clean up by council officers, councillors, residents and volunteers on Thursday July 20 and Friday July 21.

Executive member for community care services and housing Wokingham Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: “This is a great opportunity for people in the Norreys area to get involved in a grass-roots community project and make a real difference to their surroundings.

“I encourage as many young people as possible to submit an entry and perhaps see their design work on a wall near them soon.”

Karl Relton, Big Idea planning team co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wokingham District Council’s tenant services and local residents to help create a mural and contribute to the Norreys area.

“Over 60 volunteers a day, all from Wokingham churches, are taking part in Big Idea projects across the town as part of the initiative to love and serve the community.”

Wokingham District Council